Scott Wykoff's Blog

Friday, May 6, 2016

Derby Dilemma

It’s not a
dilemma that any of us around here have to worry about on the 3rd
Saturday in May. Where to watch the
Preakness. Heck, we just head right over to Pimlico.

But what
about the Kentucky Derby?

Unless you
are my colleague, WBAL Radio talk show host Jimmy Mathis, it’s a good bet you
won’t be going to Churchill Downs for the first jewel of Racing’s Triple Crown.

There's nothing quite like finding a good Derby party, only to have it pulled out from under you, leaving folks like me (and you too) in the lurch!

So you,
like me, face the age-old dilemma for the first Saturday in May. Where will I watch the Kentucky Derby?

Like many,
a dilemma that this blogger faces come Derby-time each
and every year.

It’s one
of those iconic events that you want to enjoy with others. Much like the Super Bowl, An iconic event
that screams for a party.

One thing’s
for sure. I won’t be watching the Derby
where I saw it last year. That’s because
the same Jimmy Mathis who is in Louisville this week, hosted one awesome Kentucky
Derby party last year (above, me on the left, Jimmy sporting the hat on the right) on the horse farm where he lives in Glyndon. Thanks Jimmy
for leaving me high and dry this year.

But if you’re
like me, facing this dilemma, where to watch the Derby? Not to worry.
I’ve got you covered. Or should I
say the folks at Laurel Park do.

In
addition to holding its own live race program, Laurel Park will play host to a
‘Triple Crown Kickoff Party’ on Saturday complete with dining and drink
specials, giveaways and simulcast of the 142nd Kentucky Derby.

There will
be a DJ and barbecue on the track apron, official Triple Crown drinks and
dining buffets offered throughout the track. For reservations, call
301.725.0770.

Several
great prizes will also be up for grabs during the celebration, including a
48-inch flat screen television, mint julep cups with a $200 betting voucher and
tickets to the Black-Eyed Susan May 20, 141st Preakness Stakes May
21, and Brew and Bourbon Classic June 11, all at Pimlico Race Course.

There will
be special 12:15 p.m. first race post time for Laurel’s live program on Derby Saturday.
The winter meet then wraps-up one day later on Sunday, May 8 before racing
shifts back to Baltimore for the opening of the Preakness Meet at Pimlico on May
12th.

That
said. It makes me think about the
different places where I’ve been to watch the Derby over the years.

Last year
was very cool as Jimmy Mathis hosted his horse country soiree in Glyndon. Tent, big screen TV, lots of
women in fancy hats, lots of men in bow ties and lots of fun.Jazz band and all! (above).BTW, that's Full Flavor featuring Chris Spagnolo- Saxophones Josh Miller- Keys John Miller-Guitar&Vocals Dan Gallagher- Bass Zack Maslanik- Drums.

For a few
years my good friend John hosted a Kentucky Derby party at his house. Convenient because he lives in our
neighborhood and unique because he would go to Laurel on the morning of the
Derby and buy enough tickets at the betting window so everyone at the party
could enjoy some sweet action.

Here's what I might wear if I ever do get the chance to Go to the Kentucky Derby! Understated but I think "horsey" enough. Tough to see, but those are saddle irons on my bow tie.

One year I
remember watching the Derby on a TV in the Club Level as me and my boys were
enjoying a late Saturday afternoon Birds game at Orioles Park at Camden Yards.

The best
culinary experience I’ve ever had while watching the Kentucky Derby had to be
at my friends Dawn and Dave’s house. Any
Churchill Down luxury box or corporate tent even at the Kentucky Derby would be
hard-pressed to match Dawn’s “Run for the Roses” culinary offerings.

Here's an idea for your Derby party buffet.

Yes, that's butter and powdered sugar on that amazing Chef's Expression's biscuit surrounded by their famous apple wood smoked bacon! Make it and it will be a hit and you a hero.

Back
during the “Ralph Friedgen-era” at the University of Maryland, I fondly
remember being the guest of my friends Pat and Maya at the Maryland Football
Gridiron Banquet on Kentucky Derby Day.
It was the day we watched Big Brown win in a big way at Churchill Downs before
dancing the night away Terrapins style.

But my
fondest Kentucky Derby day memories are from “back in the day” when we used to
make the 2 hour drive from Cleveland to East Liverpool, my mom’s hometown on
the Ohio River, to spend the weekend at my grandparents.

My
parents, my brother and my grandparents would all pick a Derby horse with the
winner walking away with a Whitman sampler.
My grandparents used to go to the Kentucky Derby and they brought home
with them those cool mint julep glasses from Churchill Downs they would later
break-out when we came to their house to watch the Kentucky Derby all together.

That said,
this blogger’s humble abode will play host to Kentucky Derby watching party this
Saturday for a few close friends, John and Dawn and Dave and Phil and Lisa and Greg
and Lisa and Colleen and Keith included.
All in the shadows of two of my most prized possessions, my Eclipse and Old Hilltop Awards.

That makes
me think, what a mint julep might taste like in one of those many Preakness
Black Eyed Susan glasses that I’ve collected over the years. I guess we’ll have to find out and see.

Wherever
it may be where you’re watching the 142nd Kentucky Derby, cheers!